Friday, May 21, 2010
He Doesn't Just Live in San Clemente
People are so interesting. We are all more delicate than we ever like to notice or admit; more so, we do not even realize our fragility until we are placed in a new situation that truly tests us. For some people we might not notice how human we are until someone close to us passes away or we have to claim bankruptcy or even when we bring a baby into the family. Personally, I am getting a taste of that fragility by thinking about being so far from the family I love so much, the church I love so much and my man. This trip thus far really has been wonderful. We have seen a beautiful world, been reunited with family and friends, witnessed interesting wildlife, and met fascinating people. But, I have felt like I could cry at any moment, because... change is hard. The older I get, the more I realize how human I am and how much I truly do depend on the people I love the most.
This brings me to Austin, Texas. Kyle and I joined this network called “Couch Surfing” where you do just as it says- couch surf. You meet people through this network, check out their profile, and if they don’t seem too sketchy, you request to sleep on their couch- for free. It is a great way to save money and meet interesting people who want you to see their town. Honestly, I probably would have never considered this if I didn’t have Kyle with me. (For safety reasons, naturally.) So, on Wednesday we met our first couch surfing host. She was at work when we got to her apartment, so she left the door unlocked with sticky-notes directing us (if you are into sticky-notes, I am already inclined to like you). They said “your sheets and towels are in the dryer”-yahoo, she is clean!!, “here are some spare keys in case you want to leave and check out the city”-who does that!?, and “have some cupcakes”- don’t mind if we do. Kyle and I are just looking at each other like “WHAT!?!? SCORE!” Needless to say, she is just as amazing in person- fun-loving, easy going, interested, intelligent, and Christian. I like her a lot. So, last night she invited us to have dinner with her friends from church, which ended up being a huge epiphany night for me. We did not actually know anyone we were with, but Kyle and I both felt like we were right where we belonged. God is SO GOOD.
I have been feeling homesick, but last night as we were praying with strangers it hit me...the body of Christ is not a place or a specific body of people. The body is those who believe in Him. It sounds simple. It sound like Sunday school knowledge. But, it felt like a hug from God. Where His people are- there is church. In the middle of feeling weak, God gently reminded me...He does not just live in San Clemente.
This brings me to Austin, Texas. Kyle and I joined this network called “Couch Surfing” where you do just as it says- couch surf. You meet people through this network, check out their profile, and if they don’t seem too sketchy, you request to sleep on their couch- for free. It is a great way to save money and meet interesting people who want you to see their town. Honestly, I probably would have never considered this if I didn’t have Kyle with me. (For safety reasons, naturally.) So, on Wednesday we met our first couch surfing host. She was at work when we got to her apartment, so she left the door unlocked with sticky-notes directing us (if you are into sticky-notes, I am already inclined to like you). They said “your sheets and towels are in the dryer”-yahoo, she is clean!!, “here are some spare keys in case you want to leave and check out the city”-who does that!?, and “have some cupcakes”- don’t mind if we do. Kyle and I are just looking at each other like “WHAT!?!? SCORE!” Needless to say, she is just as amazing in person- fun-loving, easy going, interested, intelligent, and Christian. I like her a lot. So, last night she invited us to have dinner with her friends from church, which ended up being a huge epiphany night for me. We did not actually know anyone we were with, but Kyle and I both felt like we were right where we belonged. God is SO GOOD.
I have been feeling homesick, but last night as we were praying with strangers it hit me...the body of Christ is not a place or a specific body of people. The body is those who believe in Him. It sounds simple. It sound like Sunday school knowledge. But, it felt like a hug from God. Where His people are- there is church. In the middle of feeling weak, God gently reminded me...He does not just live in San Clemente.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
My Last Night in San Clemente
I lay in bed right now, looking at my discombobulated room. I have bags of clothes open for any last minute additions in the morning, all of my music spread out to choose which songbooks to bring (I will probably just bring them all) and I look at the ridiculously thoughtful cards and going away gifts I have received in the past week. I graduated from UC Irvine with a Cognitive Psychology degree in June 2009 and continued to work at a nice, stable job as a behavioralist for kids with Autism. But to be quite honest the idea of moving back home to live with my parents and work was not an idea I loved. However, since I have been in the great SC I began to get really involved with San Clemente Pres. This church completely shaped my stay in San Clemente in the most positive way. I have made friends I will keep for a lifetime and beyond and I have learned so much from people older than me and younger. I have also had a blast living with my parents! We talk and cook and watch TV and play outside and I have genuinely loved every minute of living at home. So, with 10hours before we take off on this great road trip to Nashville all I can think is- God, thank you for this beautiful time I have had in San Clemente.
Now, with excitement in my heart, I will try to fall asleep. I awake tomorrow and Kyle, my main squeeze, and I will head to Phoenix to see family and friends!
Now, with excitement in my heart, I will try to fall asleep. I awake tomorrow and Kyle, my main squeeze, and I will head to Phoenix to see family and friends!
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